1973 BMW E25 Turbo concept聽
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BMW M1聽
The M1鈥檚 history is complicated, and its impact on the Bavarian marque鈥檚 reputation was far greater than the modest production run of just 453 examples would suggest. Certainly, the M1 was a Supercar聽in the context of late-1970s racing technology, and that it looks like one is due to its body having been styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro, founder of Italdesign.
The M1 was developed under the aegis of BMW Motorsport head Jochen Neerpasch to compete in Group 5 racing, primarily against Porsche鈥檚 nearly invincible 911. Homologation requirements called for 400 road-going examples, and without the capacity to build the car in house, BMW partnered with Lamborghini聽to develop the chassis, assemble prototypes, and manufacture the production run.
Yet Lamborghini鈥檚 financial woes of the era eventually caused BMW to bring the project back in house, though Dallara designed the mid-engined, tube-frame chassis. The project soldiered on, during the course of which subsequent changes in Group 5 rules relegated the M1 to Group 4 competition. If the wedge-shaped profile of the BMW M1 recalls the 1970s-era Giugiaro aesthetic, perhaps best expressed by the Lotus Esprit, it鈥檚 because wedges, like leisure suits, were all the rage at the time. But unlike leisure suits, wedges still look cool today. One concession to tradition in the design of the M1 was the retention of BMW鈥檚 classic twin-kidney grilles in the front fascia. (Note to BMW鈥檚 designers today: bigger isn鈥檛 always better.)
Behind the driver and passenger was BMW鈥檚 3.5-liter, twin-cam inline-six engine with mechanical fuel injection and a five-speed transmission. Making 273 hp in street tune, the mill gave the car the ability to reach about 165 mph. Inside the cockpit, occupants would not be found guilty if either felt a little short-changed of luxury, though the fabric seat inserts seem au courant today.
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BMW M1 Andy Warhol Art Car聽
Image by Emmanuel G. || FB
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1979 BMW E26 M1 Coupe
1979 BMW E26 M1 Coupe Chassis 9430-1053
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